Approximately a Million Babies Born Via IVF in 2017

We can no longer deny or ignore the fact that IVF procedures are currently part of our generation. The culminating incidents of infertility in both males and females are leaving couples with no option, but to resort to laboratory conception approaches. Among an array of ART procedures, IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) pioneers with the highest number of babies born in 2017 followed by IUI (Intrauterine insemination) and ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection).

Since 2015, fertility experts explain that the success rate of ART procedures has only improved. The stories of IVF success basically entail the use of hormone therapy, which lasts for a few weeks. An overall analysis of the couple’s age, and the type of infertility are necessary before embarking on treatment. Fertility experts also recommend considering various treatment approaches such as using frozen eggs to reduce the treatment cost.

A Precise Look at IVF

IVF procedures basically take account of the female’s age, unless a surrogate is to be used. The carrier or the intended mother will have to provide sufficient and viable eggs for the procedure. With this, various fertility drugs like Clomid and Gonadotropins are used to bring about egg production.

Unlike in the past, these fertility drugs are associated with minor side effects and complications. Other stimulation approaches like natural IVF are also considered in some women. Treatment timings are considered crucial during IVF treatment to increase the IVF success chances. A blood test will then be taken to check for the availability of eggs and in case ready, they are retrieved via a minimally invasive procedure under general anaesthesia. According to statistics, there have been no major complications during this IVF phase.

The eggs are analyzed in the laboratory after which are joined with the sperms for fertilization to occur. The latest IVF protocols have resulted in higher pregnancy chances with minimized miscarriage rates. As opposed to the previously followed protocols that require transferring at least 4 to 5 embryos, studies indicate that doctors transfer at least 2 to 3 embryos to reduce the chances of multiple births. According to a study conducted in 2016, it was confirmed that 84% of the IVF births resulted in single babies, whereas the IVF pregnancies that resulted in twins were only 15.5%. In 2017, the rate of twins and triplets reduced by at least 2%.

The Continuous Popularity of IVF

Apart from infertility, where IVF comes in as the ultimate reproduction solution, many individuals such as transgenders, single parents, and others with medical conditions like cancer, HIV/Aids, and physical deformities are also benefiting from ART procedures.

With the current IVF improvements, couples can also select the gender of their baby during embryo evaluation before its transfer. Genetically triggered diseases such as Klinefelter syndrome, Turner syndrome, cancer, epilepsy, and Alzheimer’s disease can be prevented from being passed on to the baby via embryo diagnosis and screening.

Even though age still matters with the IVF treatments, a number of cases where a woman delivers a healthy baby at the age of 50 are being reported. Studies indicate that the fertility doctor’s expertise and the treatment approaches utilized highly improve IVF success rates in all age groups.